This idea hit me last night. I hear about lots of people forming a group to restore or fly a special aircraft. Why don't we get some sort of program together here to restore and fly a L-1101. I think would there would be plenty of people that would donate their time or money to a project like this.

It sounds like a good idea, but pardon the pun, but it is 99.99999999% NOT to fly, and for several reasons:

1. You'll NEVER reach a consensus on what type of plane to restore.

2. Probably 75% of the users here are under 18, which means that not only could they NOT afford to chip in financially, but probably wouldn't even be able to participate in the restoration process.

3. WHERE would you restore it? Again, this is a global site, and even if you could garner a handful of people to support it, you'll be limited by geographical constraints. NOBODY is going to fly from Amsterdam to Victorville to steam clean seats on a derelict airliner once, much less on a regular basis.

4. Most of us have lives outside this forum, and getting people to SAY that they will do it versus people that actually WILL put in the time and effort will be difficult, if not impossible.

Well, I was just suggesting a L-1101 because in my opinion, it is a legend around this forum. We could restore any aircraft that we wanted. We could possibily restore it in the mojave desert where there are plenty of aircraft "boneyards".

Even though i really like the idea and would opt in without a second thought, sadly what Matt pointed out is very true. Being a student and paying my own way through school, i don't have the money to even fly out to the mojave, let alone support a project like this, and i feel that many people here maybe in my position. But hey in about 3-4 years when i'm working and makin big bucks, if this thing is still goin, count me in!

This idea makes for great brain-storming . . . but if one is serious about it taking flight (both figuratively and literally), the idea would be serious challenged by the following:

1. What aircraft type to restore - A vs B
2. Which livery to restore to . . . everyone has his/her pet livery
3. Where to base the aircraft . . . everyone has his/her favourite airport
4. How would the maintenance of the restored airplane be financed
5. Who would fly it? Professional pilots on a payroll?
6. And a whole lot of administrative and legal issues.

KC Sim
Thailand . . . but if allowed to dream, I would like to contribute towards restoring a VC-10 or a Comet.

I think it is a good idea, but to happen, it would have to overcome a lot of issues..

I think that no one airline's livery should be used, we would design our own.
No real "base" needed, if the a/c just flies everywhere from anywhere..
Maintenance- I'm sure a lot of people from different airlines would voulenteer for such a thing.
Finance- Tough one..
Pilots- either voulenteers or people who would be happy just to see the world
Legal stuff- Leave it to the lawyers..

Apart from all the other concerns, do you have any idea what it costs to restore and maintain a large aircraft like a 1011, let alone fly her?
There is a group here trying to keep a DC4 in the air, they also operate some DC3s which bring in income from flying sightseeing trips and special parties.
They did not get a license to fly commercial operations using the DC4 for some technicality and are currently looking for a buyer. Huge amounts of money are needed (talking millions here) to keep these aircraft airworthy (and they were lucky to find the aircraft in flying condition in the first place).

I love the idea, the 1011 is one of my favourites as are most trijets but the idea is sadly not practical without major financial and legal backing.